Starting Your Fire

Ok, you gas guys 'n gals, we know, you just turn the knob! But for all of you other fire breathing, smoke filled filled, charcoal eating aficionados, here are some thoughts "to get you started"!

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Starting Your Fire

You may want to try some of these ideas

There are many different ways to start your wood or charcoal fire and here are just a few of them"

Instant Lighting Briquettes - You purchase these in the grocery store and they are ready to go. Simply light the corners of the bag and you are done in about 20 minutes. They are saturated in a petroleum product.
Fire Starting Gels - These are alcohol based. They are a gel, so simply take a spoonful or so and place under the charcoal. Light the gel and you will soon be on your way. These are pretty much odor and smoke free.
Paraffin Starters - Basically it's wax. Break off a piece, place it under the charcoal and light. It even works when wet. You should have a nice fire in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Charcoal Chimneys - You've seen them. Round cylinder with a handle on the side. They have a small but separate chamber below for the fire and a larger one on top for the charcoal. Place newspapers in the bottom of the chimney, charcoal in the top and then light the paper. In about 10 minutes you will have a roaring fire. Dump the chamber on the fire grates and you are good to go!
Electric Starters - This one is just too easy. Place the heating element on the fire grates, cover with charcoal and plug in the electric starter. In about 20 minutes you are done. Obviously you will need access to electricity!
Recycled Sawdust - Recently companies are taking sawdust -a byproduct of cutting wood - adding it to paraffin. They then place the mix under pressure. These are made into small blocks that can be easily lit. They burn for about 10 minutes and are an environmentally friendly way to start your fire.
Lighter Fluids - This is most folks primary method of starting a fire. Not only is is cheap to purchase, it is fun! Douse your charcoal and light. It is fast and easy. Try not to impress your family and friends by squirting more lighter fluid on the fire later. You are liable get more items fired up than just the charcoal.